About the Council

The Council on Aging shall consist of not less than 7 nor more than 11 members. All members shall serve without compensation. Membership is for two years, or until their successors have been duly appointed and qualified. The Mayor shall appoint 5 members and the Chairman of the Council on Aging shall appoint not more than 6 members.

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Members are required to be residents of Framingham, with the allowance that the Chair may appoint no more than two members, who are non-residents, as long as they are employed by a Framingham business or organization. Non-residents shall not be eligible to serve as chair.

MEMBER DUTIES

A member’s duty is to understand, support and carry out the Council on Aging's mission on behalf of the aging population. The Council on Aging assists older adults to remain independent at home for as long as possible, while providing for choices and opportunities. This includes identifying unmet needs and developing and implementing programs and services that help to meet those needs. Members should attend as many of the eleven meetings each year as possible. Preview the budget and narrative reports sent by the Director and review the minutes from prior meetings and agenda for current meeting and come prepared to discuss.

MEMBERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Members are responsible to the elected body of the city and ultimately to the citizens of Framingham. Members must understand and be committed to the agency’s mission. Members must understand the state laws that affect all Council on Aging board members across the state, such as Open Meeting Law, Public Records law, Conflict of Interest Laws, Fair Information Practices Act. Effective communications between the COA board and the director is central to the Council’s fulfillment of its mission.

Board members must understand and approve the budget and monitor it monthly or at least quarterly.

COA Board should be involved with the director in planning and/or reviewing annual and long term goals. Evaluate and monitor the programs and services.

COA Board members may also serve as program volunteers.

MEMBER SKILL SET

Familiarity with the elder population and their needs and services available, interest in advocating for seniors’ needs, willingness to engage seniors in the community for input and feedback, commitment to attend monthly meetings for 1 to 1.5 hours. Recognition and acceptance of advisory role to Director of COA. Familiarity with budgets and how to monitor them. Long-term planning, marketing skills, communication skills, interviewing skills, openness to new ideas.

MEETING INFORMATION

Meeting dates/occurrence: Second Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m.; September through June. For more information, please contact the Council on Aging at 508-532-5980.